If you don’t like Payne’s BBQ you are not my friend. That’s how much I love this bbq joint. Converted from an old gas station/ garage, Payne’s BBQ has been serving ribs and shoulder since 1972. This place is the most unassuming and non-pretentious eateries I have ever been in U.S.A. There are only two tables there and each sits four persons. There’s no decoration, no printed reviews on walls (although they have been reviewed a lot), no souvenirs, no wait staff, no silverware, no complicated 5 pages menu, just plain old HONEST food! Yes, Payne’s don’t need all those gimmicky stuff because they food is the real deal. Where can you get supa succulent Half slab wet ribs (6 bones) + chopped pork sandwiches + coleslaw for $12.00?

They don’t serve alcohol, and of course we need beer to wash it down, we went to the gas station right across the street and pay $2.50 for a Colt 45 and a Old Milwaukee. Be sure to brownbag it and don’t leave the empty bottles at the restaurant. Give some respect dude!

RANTS & RAVES:

IT IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST MEALS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! UNDER $15 I ATE LIKE A KING! The ribs, oh my gawd, just melt in your mouth! They did the BBQ old school here- over charcoal on a pit. The owners Flora and Kennie are so nice they keep the store open until we finish and we have no idea about that. Of course later on we found out that they close pretty early, at around 6-7 pm. Oh one more thing, Sonic Youth actually thanks Payne’s BBQ in their “Washing Machine” album! VISITING PAYNE's BBQ IS A MUST DO IN MEMPHIS!